John and James Bard American (John 1815-1856 and James 1815-1890)

SOLD

Paddlewheel Ship ‘Thomas Powell ‘
Inscribed (l.r.): Drawn and painted by James & John Bard, New York / Messers Lawrence & Sneeden Builders, Engine T. F. Secor & Co. Steamboat painters Bootman & Smith
Oil on canvas
31 ¼” x 54″; 38 ½” x 61 ½” framed
Condition: (see full condition report)
Provenance: Kennedy Galleries, New York, NY
Literature: Peluso, Jr., A. J. J & J Bard: Picture Painters. New York: Hudson River Press, 1977. Illus. p. 58.

The tradition of ship owners commissioning portraits of their ships is an old one. Like the owners of sailing ships before them, steamship owners continued the practice. Twin brothers James and John Bard’s steamship portraits are among the best of American steamship portraits. Their paintings are avidly collected by both marine and American Folk Art collectors. Works by the Bards have become rare and a work of this caliber rarer still. Paddlewheel Ship ‘Thomas Powell’ is an exceptional work by the Bard brothers.

The Bard’s painting of the Thomas Powell has an elaborate inscription detailing the boat builder, engine maker and the boat painter. Lawrence & Sneeden were well-established boat builders in New York City. T.F. Secor & Co. was also located in the city. They manufactured marine steam engines. Financier Charles Morgan was an investor who later acquired the firm and added it to his Morgan Iron Works. The ship painters’, Bootman & Smith, are listed at 281 Spring Street, New York in the 1842 city directory.